Watch CBS News

Nicetown Neighborhood Celebrates Another Year of Community Improvements

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Nicetown Community Development Corporation today kicked off its 12th annual "Give Back" community festival, celebrating the neighborhood's economic development milestones.

Over the past year, the Nicetown CDC has cut the ribbon on a new, affordable housing development; opened new commercial space; and welcomed small businesses along the corridor near the 4300 block of Germantown Avenue, where the Nicetown Community Center is also located.

"There is hope and opportunity by staying in the community and rolling your sleeve up," says Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman (below), president of the Nicetown CDC.  He says scores of vacant properties have been cleaned up and developed, and the community wanted to highlight the beautified Nicetown Park.

 

nicetown zaka _gregg
(Nicetown CDC president Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman. Photo by Cherri Gregg)

----

"The new lights that we put in the park have enabled our constituents to travel with a sense of safety and security," Abdur-Rahman said today, "and we're proud of that."

"We're trying to work together to put the 'nice' back in the town," adds Majeedah Rashid, CEO of the CDC and festival co-coordinator.  He says the park will be action-packed on both Friday and Saturday.  "Friday kicks off with a college fair at 1pm, and on Saturday we start with a Walk for Peace at 11."

There's also a step show, concerts featuring Cedric Napoleon and several other acts, dancing, free food, a double-dutch contest, and more. For times and the full lineup, go to nicetowncdc.org.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.